Ann Kirkpatrick 9/11 email has ‘contribute’ button

Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-Ariz.) sent an email to campaign supporters Wednesday marking the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks that contained a prominent “contribute” button linking to a fundraising page.

“Today is a reminder of the resilience we share as Americans,” Kirkpatrick wrote. “While we may have challenges before us, we know anything is possible when we come together as a nation.”

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The language in her message did not include a direct fundraising ask. The “contribute” button appeared just below her signature.

In recent days, several candidates have sent fundraising appeals tied to another sensitive topic in the news: Syria, where the Obama administration is exploring a military strike or diplomatic deal in response to the Syrian regime’s apparent use of chemical weapons. They included Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Rep. Michael Grimm (R-N.Y.), Michigan GOP Senate candidate Terri Lynn Land and Colorado GOP Senate candidate Ken Buck.

Kirkpatrick congressional spokeswoman Jennifer Johnson said the “contribute” button was just a part of the standard email template and that the email was not a fundraising solicitation.

“As I’m sure you know, many campaigns send emails to their lists on commemorative occasions,” Johnson said in an email. “The email sent on 9/11 was not a fundraising email. Anyone who reads it can see that.”

“It’s disgusting that Republicans are politicizing 9/11 by claiming that a heartfelt message on a day of national unity is actually a fundraising ask,” Johnson added.

She forwarded similar examples of messages marking Memorial Day, Independence Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Labor Day.

Kirkpatrick is facing a tough reelection campaign in Arizona’s first district.